Your exterior paint colour and your roof are the two most standout features of your home that will create a first and lasting impression. Your roof helps set the tone for your home, and a tired or rusted roof can let the rest of your home down.
Not only does your roof need to be sealed and secure to ensure your family stays warm and dry, it should also add to the character and street appeal of your home.
Your exterior paint colour and your roof are the two most standout features of your home that will create a first and lasting impression. Your roof helps set the tone for your home, and a tired or rusted roof can let the rest of your home down.
Not only does your roof need to be sealed and secure to ensure your family stays warm and dry, it should also add to the character and street appeal of your home.
There are many factors to consider when deciding on roofing options, including materials, colours, energy efficiency, council regulations, underlayment and more. You should also consider the cost and maintenance associated with each option, and if this suits your budget and your lifestyle.
When deciding on roofing materials for your home, you’ll likely end up considering between the two most popular roofing options in Australia; metal / Colorbond and concrete tiles.
Concrete tiles have been a favourite in Australia for over 75 years, however Colorbond installations are on the rise due to their durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
So what roofing material is right for your home?
Metal / Colorbond
Metal materials such as aluminium sheets or corrugated iron are durable, long-lasting and environmentally friendly. They are also a fire retardant and lightweight roofing option. You can colour match your roof to suit the colour palette of your home for a consistent look. Metal sheet roofing offers a sleek, modern aesthetic, and can also be used on curved roofs. Metal roofs are also a preferred option in areas prone to bush fires, as they are more sealed than tiled roofs, and therefore at a lower risk of an ember attack.
However, metal can be prone to rust and is harder to fix or modify when comparing to roofing tiles. Metal roofs are a lot louder during a rain or hail storm, and some painted metal roofs can end up peeling, chipping or fading if not cared for properly.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are also durable, especially in harsh conditions, and are long-lasting. Like metal, concrete tiles are also fire retardant but maintains their colour better. There are several roofing style options to match your home design. Concrete tiles are especially popular for heritage and character homes.
Although, is it a much more strenuous effort to install concrete tiles. This, coupled with their maintenance costs, can make them quite pricey. Concrete tiles can break, and as they are a lot heavier than metal roofing sheets, your roof needs to be well supported to withstand the weight. The ideal minimum pitch for tiled roofs is between 18 and 22 degrees, so some roofs may not be ideal for roofing tiles.
Caring For Your Roof
Your roof will last for as long as you put effort into maintaining it. Penny pinching here is not recommended, as if you cut corners you may face hefty maintenance costs in the long run. Select high-quality roofing materials that suit your home and your budget.
If you are in the process of re-roofing your home, you should also be considering gutter guard protection. Gutter guard protection such as gutter mesh ensures your drains are kept clean and clear, and free from debris such as leaves, sticks, bugs, birds’ nests and more. There is no point spending thousands of dollars on a new roof and continue to have unkempt and unsightly gutters!
Aussie Gutter Protection in Melbourne are the experts in customised gutter guard and bird proofing solutions for your home. Give us a call to discuss your gutter protection needs. We’ll discuss the best option for you and provide a free quote.
